Ημερολόγιο της/του melindacreech

Dorothy Wordsworth made seventy-five observations during the month June. Like May, June must have been a wonderful time for observing flora in Grasmere. I have traveled with Dorothy for twelve months now, gathering moss in Easedale, walking in John's Wood on moonlit nights, working in her garden, and gathering plants from her neighbors and the surrounding hills and valleys. As William Wordsworth prepared to leave Grasmere for a trip abroad, he pens these words in "Farewell, thou little Nook of mountain ground" —

And, O most constant and most fickle place!
That hath a wayward heart, as thou dost shew
To them who look not daily on thy face,
Who being loved in love no bounds dost know,
And say'st when we forsake thee, 'Let them go!'
Thou easy-hearted thing! with thy wild race
Of weeds and flowers till we return be slow
And travel with the year at a soft pace:

I have enjoyed experiencing the "wild race of weeds and flowers" that grow in Grasmere and doing it at such a slow, soft pace through this year. I wonder how Dorothy's observations in 1800, 1801, and 1802 compare to the observations that are made in Grasmere in 2017 and 2018. I hope the guide will prove a useful tool for those who are curious about what scarlet beans and London's pride might be and that these words will provide a constancy to the place in our thoughts. I hope to return to Grasmere in the future, perhaps in May or June of some year, and take some iNaturalist walks with Dorothy among the mountains, lakes, becks, and fields of Grasmere. Here are her observations during the month of June.

gooseberries— [Ribes grossularia] 1 June 1802 “A short note and gooseberries from Coleridge.”

columbine— [Aquilegia vulgaris] 1 June 1802 “The columbine was growing upon the rocks ; here and there a solitary plant, sheltered and shaded by the tufts and bowers of trees. It is a graceful slender creature, a female seeking retirement, and growing freest and most graceful where it is most alone. I observed that the more shaded plants were always the tallest.”

daisies— [Bellis perennis] 1 June 1800 “Molly brought daisies &c which we planted.”

peas— [Pisum sativum] 2 June 1800 “John Fisher stuck the peas, Molly weeded & washed.”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 2 June 1802 “In the morning we observed that the scarlet beans were drooping- in the leaves in great numbers, owing, we guess, to an insect”

purple fungus — [Alloclavaria purpurea] 2 June 1802 “We went to Frank’s field, crawled up the little glen & planned a seat then went to Mr Olliffs Hollins & sate there—found a beautiful shell-like purple fungus in Frank’s field.

hazel grove— [Corylus avellana] 3 June 1802 “the oak copses are brown as in autumn, with late frost—scattered over with green Trees, Birches or Hazel.”

strawberries — [Fragaria vesca] 3 June 1800 “Mrs Simpsons grandson brought me some gooseberries — I got up & walked with him part of the way home, afterwards went down rambling by the lakeside—got Lockety goldings, strawberries &c, and planted.”

honeysuckle— [Lonicera periclymenum]] 3 June 1802 “There are I do believe a thousand Buds on the honeysuckle tree all small & far from blowing save one that is retired behind the twigs close to the wall & as snug as a Bird’s nest. John’s Rose is very beautiful blended with the honeysuckle.”

gooseberries— [Ribes grossularia] 3 June 1800 “Mrs Simpsons grandson brought me some gooseberries — I got up & walked with him part of the way home, afterwards went down rambling by the lakeside—got Lockety goldings, strawberries &c, and planted.”

rose tree — [Rosa pimpinellfolia] 3 June 1802 “There are I do believe a thousand Buds on the honeysuckle tree all small & far from blowing save one that is retired behind the twigs close to the wall & as snug as a Bird’s nest. John’s Rose is very beautiful blended with the honeysuckle.”

strawberry flower — [Geum rivale] 3 June 1802 “The strawberry flower (Geum) hanging over the brook—all things soft and green.”

ashes— [Fraxinus excelsior] 3 June 1802 “the ashes are coming into full leaf— some of them are injured.”

birches— [Betula pendula] 3 June 1802 “the oak copses are brown as in autumn, with late frost—scattered over with green Trees, Birches or Hazel.”

gooseberries— [Ribes grossularia] 3 June 1800 “Mrs Simpsons grandson brought me some gooseberries — I got up & walked with him part of the way home, afterwards went down rambling by the lakeside—got Lockety goldings, strawberries &c, and planted.”

oak copses— [Quercus robur] 3 June 1802 “the oak copses are brown as in autumn, with late frost—scattered over with green Trees, Birches or Hazel.”

Lockety goldings [Trollius Europeus] 3 June 1800 “Mrs Simpsons grandson brought me some gooseberries — I got up & walked with him part of the way home, afterwards went down rambling by the lakeside—got Lockety goldings, strawberries &c, and planted.”

lemon thyme— [Thymus serpyllum] 4 June 1800 “we went to the waterfall at the head of the valley—it was very interesting in the Twilight. I brought home lemon thyme &several other plant, & planted them by moonlight.”

gowans— [Bellis perennis] 5 June 1802 “The Gowans were flourishing along the Banks of the stream.”

wild thyme— [Thymus praecox britannicus] 5 June 1800 “I rambled on the hill above the house gathered wild thyme & took up roots of wild Columbine.”

columbine— [Aquilegia vulgaris] 5 June 1800 “I rambled on the hill above the house gathered wild thyme & took up roots of wild Columbine.”

gowans— [Bellis perennis] 5 June 1802 “The Gowans were flourishing along the Banks of the stream.”

London pride— [Saxifrag umbrosa] 5 June 1800 “We went again upon the hill, got more plants, set them, & then went to the Blind Mans for London Pride for Miss Simpson.”

moss — [Phylum Bryophyta] 5 June 1800 “The little birds busy making love & pecking the blossoms & bits of moss off the trees, they flutter about & about & third the trees as I lie under them.”

mossy stones — [Phylum Bryophyta] 5 June 1802 “I made both pies & bread, but we first walked into Easedale, & sate under the oak trees upon the mossy stones.”

oak tree— [Quercus robur] 5 June 1802 ““I made both pies & bread, but we first walked into Easedale, & sate under the oak trees upon the mossy stones.”

foxglove— [Digitalis purpurea] 6 June 1800 “Foxgloves just coming into blossom.”

orchises— [Orchis purpurea] 7 June 1800 “We went up the hill to gather sods & plants & went down to the lake side & took up orchises &c”

gooseberries— [Ribes grossularia] 7 June 1802 “I walked up to Mr Simpsons to gather gooseberries—it was a very fine afternoon—little Tommy came down with me, ate gooseberry pudding & drank tea with me.”

roses — [Rosa arvensis; Rosa canina] 8 June 1802 “Roses of various sorts are out.”

brooms— [Cytisus scoparius] 8 June 1802 “The brooms were in full glory everywhere, "veins of gold" among the copses.”

hawthorn— [Crataegus monogyna] 8 June 1802 “The hawthorns in the valley fading away ; beautiful upon the hills.”

laburnum— [Laburnum anagyroides] 8 June 1802 “The laburnums blossom freely at the island, and in the shrubberies on the shore ; they are blighted everywhere else.”

hawthorn— [Crataegus oxyacantha] 9 June 1802 “The hawthorns on the mountain sides like orchards in blossom.”

broccoli — [Brassica oleracea] 9 June 1800 “In the evening I stuck peas, watered the garden & planted Broccoli.”

bull pipes— [Equisetales] 9 June 1800 “The Reeds & Bullrushes or Bullpipes of a tender soft green making a plain whose surface moved with the wind. The reeds are not yet tall.”

bulrushes—[Typha latifolia] 9 June 1800 ““The Reeds & Bullrushes or Bullpipes of a tender soft green making a plain whose surface moved with the wind. The reeds are not yet tall.”

winter cherry tree — [Solanum pseudocapsicum] 9 June 1800 “In the morning W [William] cut down the winter cherry tree. I sowed French beans & weeded.”

reeds — [Phragmites communis] 9 June 1800 “The Reeds & Bullrushes or Bullpipes of a tender soft green making a plain whose surface moved with the wind. The reeds are not yet tall.”

French beans— [Phaseolus vulgaris] 9 June 1800 “In the morning W [William] cut down the winter cherry tree I sowed French beans & weeded.”

rhubarb— [Rheum rhabarbarum] 9 June 1902 “The hwatorns on the mountainsides like orchards in blossom. Brought some rhubarb down.

peas— [Pisum sativum] 9 June 1800 “In the evening I stuck peas, watered the garden & planted Brocoli”

peas— [Pisum sativum] 10 June 1800 “Wm stuck peas”

laurel leaves— [Daphne laureola] 10 June 1800 “the younger whose hat was only a rimless crown, had stuck it round with laurel leaves.”

mountain ash— [Pyrus aucuparia] 10 June 1802 “Coleridge came in with a sack full of books, etc., and a branch of mountain ash.”

peas— [Pisum sativum] 11 June 1800 “Molly stuck the peas. I weeded a little. Did not walk”

peas— [Pisum sativum] 11 June 1800 “I sowed Kindey-beans & spinach, a cold evening. Molly stuck the peas. I weeded a little. Did not walk.”

white hawthorn [Crataegus oxyacantha] 11 June 1800 “We landed upon the Island where I saw the whitest Hawthorn I have seen this year, the generality of hawthorns are bloomless — I saw wild roses in the hedges.”

spinach — [Spinacia oleracea] 11 June 1800 “I sowed Kindey-beans & spinach, a cold evening. Molly stuck the peas. I weeded a little. Did not walk.”

wild roses — [Rosa canina] 11 June 1800 “We landed upon the Island where I saw the whitest Hawthorn I have seen this year, the generality of hawthorns are bloomless — I saw wild roses in the hedges.”

kidney beans— [Phaseolus vulgaris] 11 June 1800 “I sowed Kidney-beans & spinach, a cold evening. Molly stuck the peas. I weeded a little. Did not walk.”

fir grove— [Pinus sylvestria] 13 June 1802 “William observed that the full moon, above a dark fir grove, is a fine image of the descent of a superior being.”

fir grove— [Pinus sylvestria] 14 June 1802 “walked a little in the fir grove.”

fir grove— [Pinus sylvestria] 15 June 1800 “walked behind the fir grove & returned to dinner.”

hazel grove— [Corylus avellana]16 June 1802 We sate near the old wall, which fenced a hazel grove, which William said was exactly like the filbert grove at Middleham. It is a beautiful spot, a sloping or rather steep piece of ground, with hazels growing " tall and erect" in clumps at distances, almost seeming regular, as if they had been planted.”

Gale— [Myrica gale] 16 June 1800 “The valley all perfumed with the Gale and wild thyme.”

primrose— [Primula vulgaris] 16 June 1800 “Met John on our return home at about 10 o clock. Saw a primrose in blossom

honeysuckle— [Lonicera periclymenum] 16 June 1800 “I have seen no honey-suckles yet except our own one nestling”

apple tree— [Pyrus malus] 16 June 1802 “William told me that very morning a Bird had perched upon his leg—he had been lying very still & had watched this little creature. It had come under the bench where he was sitting & then flew up to his leg He thoughtlessly stirred himself to look further at it & it flew on to the apple tree above him. It was a little young creature that had just left its nest, equally unacquainted with man, and unaccustomed to struggle against the storms and winds. While he was upon the apple tree the wind blew about the stiff boughs & the Bird seemed bemazed & not strong enough to strive with it.”

wild thyme— [Thymus praecox britannicus] 16 June 1800 “The valley all perfumed with the Gale and wild thyme.”

yellow broom — [Cytisus scoparius] 16 June 1800 “The woods about the waterfall veined with rich yellow Broom.”

yellow honeysuckle— [Lonicera periclymenum] 16 June 1802 “I have seen no honeysuckles yet except our own tree nestling & a tree of the yellow kind at Mts. Townley's the day I went with Ellen to Windermere.”

hawthorn— [Crataegus oxyacantha] 16 June 1802 “The lower hawthorn blossoms passed away, those on the hills are a faint white. The wild guelder-rose is coming out, & the wild roses.”

wild guelder-rose [Viburnum lantana] 16 June 1802 “The lower hawthorn blossoms passed away, those on the hills are a faint white. The wild guelder-rose is coming out, & the wild roses.”

wild roses— [Rosa canina] 16 June 1802 “The lower hawthorn blossoms passed away, those on the hills are a faint white. The wild guelder-rose is coming out, & the wild roses.”

foxglove— [Digitalis purpurea] 16 June 1802 “Foxgloves are now frequent.”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 18 June 1802 “He [Luff] saw our garden, was astonished at the scarlet beans, etc. etc, etc.”

fir grove— [Pinus sylvestria] 19 June 1802 Coleridge when he was last here, told us that for man years there being no quaker meeting held at Keswick, a single old quaker woman used to go regularly alone every Sunday, to attend the meeting-house & there used to sit & perform her worship alone, in that beautiful place among those fir
trees, in that spacious vale, under the great mountain Skiddaw!!!

peas— [Pisum sativum] 20 June 1800 “I worked in the garden in the morning. Wm prepared Pea sticks.”

yew tree— [Taxus baccata] 22 June 1800 “I planted a honeysuckle round the yew tree.”

honeysuckle— [Lonicera periclymenum] 22 June 1800 “I planted a honeysuckle round the yew tree.”

mossy rock — [Phylum Bryophyta] 23 June 1800 “When W went down to the water to fish I lay uder the wind my head pillowed upon mossy rock & slept about 10 minutes which relieved my headach.”

sycamore tree — [Acer pseudoplatanus] 23 June 1800 “The view exquisitely beautiful, through a gate & under a sycamore treebeside the first house going into Loughrigg.”

greens— [Eruca sativa] 24 June 1800 “W[William] and I drank tea at Mr Simpsons, brought down Lemon Thyme, greens, &c”

lemon thyme— [Thymus serpyllum] 24 June 1800 ““W[William] and I drank tea at Mr Simpsons, brought down Lemon Thyme, greens, &c.”

foxglove— [Digitalis purpurea] 25 June 1800 “In the evening I went above the house, & gathered flowers which I planted, fox-gloves &c.”

Dorothy was especially busy during the month of May making her observations of the flora around Grasmere. There were a total of 68 recorded in her Grasmere journal. I wonder if those same flowers and trees can be observed in Grasmere this year. Those observations include:

celandine — [Ranunculus ficaria] 1 May 1802 “William wrote the Celandine.”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 1 May 1802 “As soon as Breakfast was over we went into the garden & sowed the scarlet beans about the house. It was a clear sky a heavenly morning.”

holly — [Ilex aquifoleum] 1 May 1802 “After dinner we went again to our old resting place in the Hollins under the Rock. We first lay under a holly where we saw nothing but the holly tree & a budding elm mossed with & the sky above our heads. But the holly tree had a beauty about it more than its own, knowing as we did where we were”

elm tree — [Ulmus glabra] 1 May 1802 “After dinner we went again to our old resting place in the Hollins under the Rock. We first lay under a holly where we saw nothing but the holly tree & a budding elm mossed with & the sky above our heads.”

stag’s horn — [Lycopodium clavatum] 4 May 1802 “the Stag’s horn is very beautiful & fresh springing upon the fells.”

mountain ash — [Pyrus aucuparia] 4 May 1802 “Mountain ashes, green”

moss — [Phylum Bryophyta] 4 May 1802 “We came down, and rested upon a moss-covered rock rising out of the bed of the river.”

pansies — [Viola tricolor] 6 May 1802 “The primroses are passing their prime. Celandine, violets, & wood sorrel for ever more—little geraniums and pansies on the wall.”

pear tree — [Pyrus communis] 6 May 1802 “Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish”

plum [Prunus domestica]— 6 May 1802 “A sweet morning. We have put the finishing stroke to our bower & here we are sitting in the orchard. It is one o'clock. We are sitting upon a seat 'under the wall, which I found my Brother Building up, when I came to him with his apple—he had intended that it should have been done before I came. It is a nice cool shady spot. The small birds are singing—Lambs bleating, Cuckow calling— The Thrush sings by Fits, Thomas Ashburner's axe is going quietly (without passion) in the orchard—Hens are cackling, Flies humming, the women talking together at their doors— Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish—the opposite woods green, the crows are cawing, We have heard Ravens. The Ash Trees are in blossom, Birds flying all about us. The stitchwort is coming out, there is one budding Lychnis. The primroses are passing their prime. Celandine, violets, & wood sorrel for ever more—little geraniums and pansies on the wall.”

apple tree — [Malus x domesticus] 6 May 1802 “Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish.”

ash tree —[Fraxinus excelsior] 6 May 1802 “The Ash Trees are in blossom, Birds flying all about us.”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 6 May 1802 “A sweet morning. We have put the finishing stroke to our bower & here we are sitting in the orchard. It is one o'clock. We are sitting upon a seat 'under the wall, which I found my Brother Building up, when I came to him with his apple—he had intended that it should have been done before I came. It is a nice cool shady spot. The small birds are singing—Lambs bleating, Cuckow calling— The Thrush sings by Fits, Thomas Ashburner's axe is going quietly (without passion) in the orchard—Hens are cackling, Flies humming, the women talking together at their doors— Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish—the opposite woods green, the crows are cawing, We have heard Ravens. The Ash Trees are in blossom, Birds flying all about us. The stitchwort is coming out, there is one budding Lychnis. The primroses are passing their prime. Celandine, violets, & wood sorrel for ever more—little geraniums and pansies on the wall.”

lychnis — [Lychnis flos-cuculi] 6 May 1802 “there is one budding lychnis,”

stitchwort— [Stelleria media] 6 May 1802 “Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish—the opposite woods green, the crows are cawing, We have heard Ravens. The Ash Trees are in blossom, Birds flying all about us. The stitchwort is coming out, there is one budding Lychnis. The primroses are passing their prime. Celandine, violets, & wood sorrel for ever more—little geraniums and pansies on the wall.”

violets — [Viola odorata] 6 May 1802 “Plumb & pear trees are in Blossom, apple trees greenish—the opposite woods green, the crows are cawing, We have heard Ravens. The Ash Trees are in blossom, Birds flying all about us. The stitchwort is coming out, there is one budding Lychnis. The primroses are passing their prime. Celandine, violets, & wood sorrel for ever more—little geraniums and pansies on the wall.”

geranium — [Geranium sanguinium] 6 May 1802 “little geranium & pansies on the wall.”

wood sorrel — [Oxalis acetosella] 6 May 1802 “Celandine violets & wood sorrel forever more—little geranium & pansies on the wall”

birch tree — Betula pendula] — 6 May 1802 “The birch tree is all over green in small leaf, more light and elegant than when it is full out. It bent to the breezes, as if for the love of its own delightful motions.”

celandine — [Ranunculus ficaria] 6 May 1802 “Celandine violets & wood sorrel for ever more—”

sloe-thorn — [Prunus spinosa] 6 May 1802 “Sloe thorns & Hawthorns in the hedges.”

hawthorns — [Crataegus monogyna] 6 May 1802 “Sloe thorns & Hawthorns in the hedges.”

hawthorns — [Crataegus monogyna] 7 May 1802 “The Sloe thorns beautiful in the hedges, & in the wild spots higher up among the hawthorns.”

sloe-thorn — [Prunus spinosa] 7 May 1802 “The Sloe thorn beautiful in the hedges, & in the wild spots higher up among the hawthorns.”

sorrel — [Oxalis acetosella] 7 May 1802 “While we were walking in the orchard I observed the Sorrel leaves opening at about 9 o clock—William went to bed tired with thinking about a poem.”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 8 May 1802 “We sowed the Scarlet Beans in the orchard I read Henry 5th there—William lay on his back on the seat. ‘Wept, For names, sounds paths delights & duties lost’—Taken from a poem upon Cowley’s wish to retire to the Plantations, read in the Review.”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 11 May 1802 “primroses still in abundance”

ivy — [Hedera helix] 12 May 1802 “Wm pulled ivy with beautiful berries. I put it over the chimney-piece.”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 12 May 1802 “we walked into Easedale & returned by George Rownson’s & the lane. We brought home hackberry blossom, crab blossom—the anemone nemorosa—Marsh Marygold—Speedwell, that beautiful blue one the colour of the blue-stone or glass used in jewellery, with its beautiful pearl-like chives—anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

violets — [Viola odorata] 12 May 1802 “anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine.”

anemone nemorosa — [Anemone nemorosa] 12 May 1802 “We brought home hackberry blossom, crab blossom—the anemone nemorosa—Marsh Marygold—Speedwell, that beautiful blue one the colour of the blue-stone or glass used in jewellery, with its beautiful pearl-like chives—”

anemones — [Anemone nemorosa] 12 May 1802 “anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

celandine — [Ranunculus ficaria] 12 May 1802 “—anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

celandine — [Cheladonium majus] 12 May 1802 “—anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

crab [apple] blossom — [Malus sylvestris] 12 May 1802 “—we walked into Easedale & returned by George Townson’s & the lane. We brought home hackberry blossoms, crab blossom—”

heckberry (bird-cherry) — [Prunus padus] 12 May 1802 “We brought home hackberry blossom.”

marsh marigold — [Caltha palustris] 12 May 1802 “we walked into Easedale & returned by George Rownson’s & the lane. We brought home hackberry blossom, crab blossom—the anemone nemorosa—Marsh Marygold—Speedwell, that beautiful blue one the colour of the blue-stone or glass used in jewellery, with its beautiful pearl-like chives—anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

geranium — [Geranium slyvaticum] 12 May 1802 “Butterflies of all colours—I often see some small ones of a pale purple lilac or Emperor’s eye colour something of the colour of that large geranium which grows by the lake side.”

speedwell — [Veronica officinalis] 12 May 1802 “we walked into Easedale & returned by George Rownson’s & the lane. We brought home hackberry blossom, crab blossom—the anemone nemorosa—Marsh Marygold—Speedwell, that beautiful blue one the colour of the blue-stone or glass used in jewellery, with its beautiful pearl-like chives—anemones are in abundance & still the dear primroses violets in beds, pansies in abundance, & the little celandine. I pulled a branch of the taller celandine.”

blue hyacinth — [Muscari racemosum] 14 May 1802 “the blue Hyacinth is not quite full blown —”

strawberries— [Fragaria vesca] 14 May 1800 ““The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

potatoes — [Solanum tuberosum] 14 May 1802 “Wm & Molly had dug the ground & planted potatoes in my absence.”

anemones — [Anemone nemorosa] 14 May 1800 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

little star plant (butterwort) — [Pinguicula vulgaris] 14 May 1802 “the little star plant a star without a flower.”

oak trees — [Quercus robur] 14 May 1802 “The oak trees are just putting forth yellow knots of leaves.”

orchises — [Orchis purpurea] 14 May 1800 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

stitchwort — [Stelaris holestea] 14 May 1800 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

privet — [Ligustrum vulare] 14 May 1800 “Arrived at home with a bad head-ach, set some slips of privet.”

crowfoot — [Ranunculus aquatilis] 14 May 1800. “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

geranium — [Geranium sanguineum] 14 May 1800 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

ash tree —[Fraxinus excelsior] 14 May 1802 “The ashes with their flowers passing away & their leaves coming out.”

gowans — [Matricaria recutita] 14 May 1802 “Gowans are coming out…We took home a great load of Gowans & planted them in the cold about the orchard”

crab [apple] blossom — [Malus sylvestris] 14 May 1800 “The crab is coming out”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 14 May 1800 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

marsh marigold — [Caltha palustris] 14 May 1802 “marsh marygolds in full glory.”

heckberry (bird-cherry) — [Prunus padus] 14 May 1800 “The hackberry very beautiful as a low shrub.”

scentless violet — [Viola riviniana] 14 May 1801 “The wood rich in flowers. a beautiful yellow, palish yellow flower, that looked thick round & double, & smelt very sweet—I supposed it was a ranunculus—Crowfoot, the grassy-leaved Rabbit-toothed white flower, strawberries, Geraniums—scentless violet, anemones two kinds, orchises, primroses.”

peas —Pisum sativum 15 May 1800 “A coldish dull morning—hoed the first row of peas, wede &c &c—”

onions — [Allium cepa] 16 May 1800 “After dinner Aggy weeded onions & carrots—I helped for a little—”

moss — [Phylum Bryophyta] 16 May 1800 “gathered mosses & plants The woods extremely beautiful with all autumnal variety & softness—I carried a basket for mosses, & gathered some wild plants—.”

foxglove — [Digitalis purpurea] 16 May 1800 “Foxgloves very tall—with their heads budding.”

carrot — [Daucus carota] 16 May 1800 “After dinner Aggy weeded onions & carrots — I helped for a little”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 16 May 1800 “all the flowers now are gay & deliciously sweet. The primrose still pre-eminent among the later flowers of spring.”

radishes — [Raphanus raphanistrum] 16 May 1800 “Warm & mild after a fine night of rain. Transplanted radishes after breakfast.”

corn — [Triticum aestivum] 18 May 1800 “The corn begins to shew itself.”

ash tree —[Fraxinus excelsior] 18 May 1800 “The ashes are still bare.”

peas —Pisum sativum 19 May 1800 “John stuck the peas”

moss — [Phylum Bryophyta] 19 May 1800 “I strolled on, gathered mosses & c.”

turnips – [Brassica rapa] 19 May 1800 “Dried linen — Molly weeded the turnips, John stuck the peas.”

peas —Pisum sativum 22 May 1800 “Mild evening—all the peas up”

batchelor’s buttons (rock ranunculus) — [Ranunculus acris] 22 May 1800 “A very fine day with showers — dried the linen & starched Drank tea at Mr Simpsons Brought down Batchelors Buttons (Rock Ranunculus) & other plants —”

ash tree —[Fraxinus excelsior] 27 May 1800 “the ashes in the valleys nearly in full leaf but still to be distinguished, quite bare on the higher grounds.”

primrose — [Primula vulgaris] 28 May 1802 “There is yet one primrose in the orchard—the stitchwort is fading—the wild columbines are coming into beauty—the vetches are in abundance.”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 28 May 1802 “The scarlet Beans are up in crowds.”

periwinkles — [Vinca minor] 28 May 1800 “I went into her [Jenny Dockeray] garden & got white & yellow lilies, periwinkle, &c, which I planted.

stitchwort— [Stelleria media] 28 May 1802 “There is yet one primrose in the orchard — the stitichwort is fading — the wild columbines are coming into beauty.”

snowballs — [Viburnum opulus] 28 May 1802 “The hackberry blossoms are dropping off fast, almost gone—barberries are in beauty—snowballs coming forward—May Roses blossoming.”

yellow lilies — [Lilium candidum] 28 May 1800 “ I went into her [Jenny Dockeray’s] garden & got white & yellow lilies, periwinkle, &c, which I planted.”

wild columbines — [Aquilegia vulgaris] 28 May 1802 “The wild columbines are coming into beauty”

barberries — [Burberis vulgaris] 28 May 1802 “The hackberry blossoms are dropping off fast, almost gone—barberries are in beauty—snowballs coming forward—May Roses blossoming.”

dial-like yellow flower (yellow pimpernel) — [Lisimachia nemorum] 28 May 1802 “That pretty little waxy-looking dial-like yellow flower, the speedwell, and some others, whose names I do not yet know.”

gowans — [Matricaria recutita] 28 May 1802 “—some of the gowans fading”

lilies — [Lloydia serotina] 28 May 1802 “In the garden we have lilies & many other flowers.”

heckberry (bird-cherry) — [Prunus padus] 28 May 1802 “The heckberry blossoms are dropping off fast, almost gone—”

May roses — [Rosa x centifolia] 28 May 1802 “May roses blossoming.”

vetches — [Vicia sativa] 28 May 1802 “the Vetches are in abundance Blossoming & seeding”

gooseberries — [Ribes grossularia] 29 May 1800 “we fished upon the lake & amongst us caught 13 Bass. Miss Simpson brought gooseberries & cream left the water at near 9 o clock very cold.”

honeysuckle — [Lonicera periclymenum] 29 May 1802 “A sweet day we nailed up the honeysuckles, & hoed the scarlet beans”

scarlet beans — [Phaseolus coccineus] 29 May 1802 “We sate in the orchard after dinner William finished his poem on going for Mary. I wrote it out—I wrote to Mary H, having received a letter from her in the evening. A sweet day we nailed up the honeysuckles, & hoed the scarlet beans.”

London pride — [Saxifraga × urbium] 30 May 1800 “I planted London pride upon the wall & many things on the Borders. John sodded the wall.”

broom — [Cyticus scoparius] 31 May 1800 “Miss Simpson & her Visitors called — I went with them to Brathay Bridge. We got Broom in returning, strawberries, & c, came home by Ambleside”

strawberries— [Fragaria vesca] 31 May 1800 “We got Broom in returning, strawberries & c, came home by Ambleside — Grasmere looked divinely beautiful.”

It appears that spring has sprung in Grasmere in April, at least in 1800-1802. There are 65 entries in Dorothy's Grasmere journal in the month of April. I wonder how many of these are blooming this year.

pile wort [Ficaria verna] —15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

primrose [Primula vulgaris] —15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

anemone [Anemone nemarosa] — 15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

furze bush [Ulex europaeus] — 15 April 1802 “We first rested in the large boathouse. then under a furze bush opposite Mr. Clarkson's.”

strawberries [Fragaria vesca] — 15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

daffodils [Pseudo Narcissus] —15 April 1802 “When we were in the woods beyond Gowbarrow Park we saw a few daffodils close to the water-side. We fancied that the sea had floated the seeds ashore, and that the little colony had so sprung up. But as we went along there were more and yet more ; and at last, under the boughs of the trees, we saw that there was a long belt of them along the shore, about the breadth of a country turnpike road. I never saw daffodils so beautiful. They grew among the mossy stones about and above them ; some rested their heads upon these stones, as on a pillow, for weariness ; and the rest tossed and reeled and danced, and seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind, that blew upon them over the lake ; they looked so gay, ever glancing, ever changing. This wind blew directly over the lake to them. There was here and there a little knot, and a few stragglers higher up ; but they were so few as not to disturb the simplicity, unity, and life of that one busy highway.”

scentless violets [Viola riviniana] — 15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

wood sorrel flower [Oxalis acetosella] — 15 April 1802. “We got over into a field to avoid some cows — people working, a few primroses by the roadside, woodsorrel flowers, the anemone, scentless violets, strawberries, & that starry yellow flower which Mrs C calls pile wort.”

yellow palms [ ] — 16 April 1802. “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

ashes [Fraxinus excelsior] — 16 April 1802 “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

birches [Betula pendula] —16 April 1802 “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

hawthorn [Crataegus oxyacantha] — 16 April 1802 “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

oak [Quercus robur] — 16 April 1802 “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

moss [Phylum Bryophyta] — 16 April 1802 “The people were at work, ploughing, harrowing & sowing—Lasses spreading dung, a dogs barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering ,the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple & green twigs on the Birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green with black stems under, the oak & the moss of the oak glassy.”

primroses [Primula vulgaris] —16 April 1802 “primroses by the roadside, pile wort that shown like stars of gold in the Sun, violets, strawberries, retired & half buried among the grass”

violets [Viola reicenbachiana] —16 April 1802 “primroses by the roadside, pile wort that shown like stars of gold in the Sun, violets, strawberries, retired & half buried among the grass”

pile wort [Ficaria verna] —16 April 1802 “primroses by the roadside, pile wort that shown like stars of gold in the Sun, violets, strawberries, retired & half buried among the grass”

strawberries [Fragaria vesca] —16 April 1802 “primroses by the roadside, pile wort that shown like stars of gold in the Sun, violets, strawberries, retired & half buried among the grass”

ash [Fraxinus excelsior] —17 April 1802. “The dead hedge round Benson's field bound together at the top by an interlacing of ash sticks, which made a chain of silver when we faced the moon.”

honeysuckle [Lonicera periclymenum] — 17 April 1802. “We sate in the garden all the morning. William dug a little. I transplanted a honey suckle.

pile wort [Ficaria verna]—21 April 1802 “The pile wort spread out on the grass a thousand shining stars, the primroses were there & the remains of a few daffodils”

primroses [Primula vulgaris] —21 April 1802 “The pile wort spread out on the grass a thousand shining stars, the primroses were there & the remains of a few daffodils”

daffodils [Pseudo Narcissus] —21 April 1802 “The pile wort spread out on the grass a thousand shining stars, the primroses were there & the remains of a few daffodils”

laburnum [Laburnam anagyroides] — 22 April 1802. “Coleridge talked of his plan of sowing the laburnum in the woods.”

holly [Ilex aquifoleum] — 22 April 1802. “I was tired and sate under the shade of a holly tree that grows upon a rock, and looked down the stream. I then went to the single holly behind that single rock in the field, and sate upon the grass till they came from the waterfall.”

holly [Ilex aquifoleum] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

ivy [Hedera helix] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

ivy with brown berries [Hedera helix] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

moss [Phylum Bryophyta]—23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

mountain ash [Pyrus aucuparia] —23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

eglantine [Rosa rubiginosa] — On 23 April 1802 Dorothy describes a walk with William and Coleridge. She says: “We left William sitting on the stones feasting with silence — & Coleridge & I sat down upon a rocky seat a couch it might be under the bower of William's eglantine, Andrew's Broom.

broom [Cytisus scoparius]— On 23 April 1802 Dorothy describes a walk with William and Coleridge. She says: “We left William sitting on the stones feasting with silence — & Coleridge & I sat down upon a rocky seat a couch it might be under the bower of William's eglantine, Andrew's Broom.

common ash [Fraxinus excelsior] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

fir tree [Pinus sylvestria] —23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

umbrella yew tree [Taxus fastigiata] — 23 April 1802. “It was very grand when we looked up, very stony, here and there a budding tree. William observed that the umbrella yew tree, that breasts the wind, had lost its character as a tree, and had become something like to solid wood, Coleridge and I pushed on before. We left William sitting on the stones, feast- ing with silence”

yew tree [Taxus baccata] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

holly [Ilex aquifoleum] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

hawthorn [Crataegus oxyacantha] — 23 April 1802. “The hawthorns are black & green, the birches here & there greenish but there is more of purple to be seen on the twigs”

birch [Betula pendula] — 23 April 1802. “The hawthorns are black & green, the birches here & there greenish but there is more of purple to be seen on the twigs”

hawthorn [Crataegus oxyacantha] — 23 April 1802. “We saw him climbing up towards a rock, he called us & we found him in a Bower, the sweetest that was ever seen — the Rock on one side is very high & all covered with ivy which hang loosely about & bore bunches of brown berries. On the other side it was higher than my head. We looked down upon the Ambleside vale that seemed to wind away form us the village lying under the hill. The Fir tree Island was reflected beautifully — we now first saw that the trees are planted in rows. About the bower there is mountain ash, common ash, yew tree, ivy, holly, hawthorn, mosses & flowers, & a carpet of moss—Above the top of the Rock there is another spot—it is scarce a Bower, a little parlour, one not enclosed by walls but shaped out for a resting place by the rocks & the ground rising about it. It had a sweet moss carpet— We resolved to go & plant flowers in both these places tomorrow.”

primrose [Primula vulgaris] —24 April 1802. “We all stood to look at Glow-worm Rock a primrose that grew there, and just looked out on the road from its own sheltered bower.”

strawberries [Fragaria vesca] —28 April 1802 “I happened to say that when I was a child I would not have pulled a strawberry blossom. I left him, and wrote out The Manciple's Tale. At dinner time he came in with the poem of Children gathering Flowers? but it was not quite finished, and it kept him long off his dinner. It is now done.”

hawthorn [Crataegus oxyacantha] — 29 April 1802. “The copses greenish, hawthorns green”

mullins [Verbascum Thapsus] — 29 April 1802. “Met old Mr S at the door— Mrs S poorly— I got mullins and pansies”

pansies [Viola tricolor] — 29 April 1802. “Met old Mr S at the door— Mrs S poorly— I got mullins and pansies”

celandine [Ranunculus ficaria] — 30 April 1802 “We came into the orchard directly after Breakfast & sate there. The lake was calm — the sky cloudy. We saw two fisherman by the lakeside. William began to write the poem of the Celandine.”

Dorothy’s observations for March are still slim. It seems that the snowdrops are the only flowers that have begun to bloom, but gardening is on her mind.

snowdrops [Galanthus nivalis] — On 4 March 1802, Dorothy reports: “ I have set Molly on to clear the garden a little, & I myself have helped. I transplanted some snowdrops — The Bees are busy.”

apples [Pyrus malus] — Also on 4 March 1802, Dorothy is cleaning up after William has left. She finds his half-eaten apple and says: “O the Darling! Here is one of his bitten apples! I can hardly find in my heart to throw it into the fire.”

fir [Pinus sylvestria] — On 4 March 1802 Dorothy mourns the fact that they are cutting down Benson’s wood: “They are making sad ravages in woods—Benson’s wood is going and the wood above the River.” It appears that nature is doing some pruning also. She goes on to report that “The wind has blown down a small fir tree on the Rock, that terminates John's path. I suppose the wind of Wednesday night.”

mosses [Phylum Bryophyta]— The day after William left, on 5 March 1802, Dorothy “First walked in the Garden & Orchard — a frosty sunny morning. After dinner I gathered mosses in Easedale.”

green moss [Phylum Bryophyta]— On 19 March 1802, Dorothy, looking forward to William’s return, gathers moss to decorate Dove Cottage: “A very rainy morning. I went up into the lane to collect a few green mosses to make the chimney gay against my darling's return.”

Dorothy makes a few more flora observations in February. Signs of spring are coming. The hepaticas are blooming and the snowdrops are about to open.

snowdrops [Galanthus nivalis]—On 14 February 1802 Dorothy notes that it is “a fine morning but it has been a hard frost in the night. There are some little snowdrops that are afraid to pop their white heads quite out, & a few blossoms of Hepatica that are half starved.”

hepatica [Hepatica nobilis] — On 14 February 1802 “a fine morning but it has been a hard frost in the night. There are some little snowdrops that are afraid to pop their white heads quite out, & a few blossoms of Hepatica that are half starved.”

ash tree [Fraxinus excelsior]— On 23 February 1802 Dorothy notices a thrust on the still bare branches of an ash tree: “When we came out of our own doors, that dear thrush was singing upon the topmost of the smooth branches of the ash tree at the top of the orchard. How long it had been perched on that same tree I cannot tell but we had heard its dear voice in the orchard the day through, along with a chearful undersong made by our winter friends the Robins.”

mosses [Phylum Bryophyta]— A couple of days later, on a misty, rainy day walk on 23 February 1802, Dorothy again collects mosses and leaves them at Dove Cottage before going for a walk in John’s Wood: “As we came home, I picked up a few mosses by the roadside, which I left at home” .

ivy [Hedera helix] —Dorothy returns from her evening walk on 25 February 1802: “I reached home just before dark, brought some mosses and ivy, and then got tea, and fell to work at German.”

Dorothy only mentions a few flora for the month of January. Perhaps it was too cold to spend much time outside. On 3 January 1802, on a trip to visit Mary, she describes the trees and hedges that surround the fields and the beauty of the hoar frost that covered the grass, trees, and hedges. She also mentions cutting the shrubs on 27 January 1802. She does make a couple of observations about a strawberry blossom and a fallen larch tree.

Larch [Larix decidua]— On 26 January 1802 Dorothy visited John’s Grove where “where the storm of Thursday has made sad ravages, two of the finest trees are uprooted one lying with the turf about its root as if the whole together had been pared by a knife. The other is a larch. Several others are blown aside, one is snapped in two.

Strawberry blossoms [Fragaria vesca]— On 31 January 1802 Dorothy recounts a tender story about a strawberry blossom: “I found a strawberry blossom in a rock. The little slender flower had more courage than the green leaves, for they were but half expanded and half grown, but the blossom was spread full out. I uprooted it rashly, and I felt as if I had been committing an out- rage, so I planted it again. It will have but a stormy life of it, but let it live if it can.”

Dorothy’s Flora for December

moss [Phylum Bryophyta] — On 8 December 1801, walking on a gray cloudy night with a crescent moon and a few stars, Dorothy had “intended gathering mosses & for that purposed we turned into the green Lane behind the Tailors but it was too dark to see the mosses.”

moss [Phylum Bryophyta] — On 10 December 1801, Dorothy returned for the mosses: “A very fine sunny morning – not frosty we walked into Easedale to gather mosses.”

yew tree [Taxus baccata] — Dorothy sat up late on 12 December 1801, playing at Cards, and observed: “The moon shone upon the waters below Silver-how & above it hung, combining with Silver how on one side, a Bowl-shaped moon the curve downwards — the white fields, glittering Roof of Thomas Ashburner’s house, the dark yew tree, the white fields – gay & beautiful. Wm lay with his curtains open that he sight see it.”

ashes [Fraxinus excelsior] — Also earlier on 12 December 1801, walking home from Rydal, Dorothy noticed how the trees looked: “the ashes glittering spears with their upright stems.”

birches [Betula pendula] — On 12 December 1801 on her walk home from Rydal, Dorothy thought “The Birches on the Crags beautiful, Red brown & glittering.”

hips [Rosa arvensis] — Walking home from Rydale on 12 December 1802, Dorothy says: “the hips very beautiful, & so good!! & dear Coleridge — I ate twenty for thee when I was by myself.”

moss [Phylum Bryophyta] — On 18 December 1801, Dorothy make notes of the Christmas colors: “hips bright red — mosses green.”

birches [Betula pendula] — The next week on 18 December 1801 on her walk home from Rydal, Dorothy notes that “It was a cheerful glorious day. The Birches & all trees beautiful.”

hips [Rosa arvensis] — The next week, on 18 December 1802, Dorothy, walking around the lake, still notices: “hips bright red.”

brooms [Cytisus scoparius] — On 20 December 1801, Dorothy went to tea at the Ashburner’s noticing that even in the deep snow “The Brooms were very Beautiful – arched feathers with wiry stalks pointed to the End, smaller & smaller. They waved gently with the weight of the snow.”

strawberry blossoms [Fragaria vesca] — On her Rydal walk on Christmas eve, Dorothy also saw “in the turf a large bunch of strawberry blossoms.”

small yellow flowers [Euphorbia peplus?] — On Christmas eve 1802 Dorothy walked to Rydal and noticed quite a few flowers including “small yellow flowers (I do not know their name) in the turf.”

buttercups [Ranunculus bulbosus] — On 24 December 1802, on a walk around the lake, Dorothy saw “a buttercup in the water,” noting that “(but this I saw two or three days before.)”

daisies [Bellis perennis] — On a walk around the lake on 24 December 1802, Dorothy noted: “There were flowers of various kinds the topmost bell of a foxglove, geraniums, daisies.”

foxgloves [Digitalis purpurea] —On a walk around the lake on 24 December 1802, Dorothy noted: “There were flowers of various kinds the topmost bell of a foxglove, geraniums, daisies.”

geraniums [Geranium Sanguineum] —On a walk around the lake on 24 December 1802, Dorothy noted: “There were flowers of various kinds the topmost bell of a foxglove, geraniums, daisies.”

moss [Phylum Bryophyta] — On 29 December 1801, Dorothy is reminded of Coleridge, walking by “the bonny nooks & windings & curlings of the Beck down at the bottom of the steep green mossy banks.

Scotch fir [Pinus sylvestria] — Dorothy describes a “Pretty cluster of houses at the foot of St John’s Vale” near the second mile stone on 29 December 1801 noticing “The houses were among tall trees, partly of Scotch fir, and some naked forest trees.”

primroses [Primula vulgaris] — On a trip to Keswick on 30 December 1802, Dorothy says: “We stopped our horse close to the ledge opposite a tuft of primroses three flowers in full blossom & a Bud, they reared themselves up among the green moss. We debated long whether we should pluck & at least left them to live out their day, which I was right glad of at my return the Sunday following for there they remained uninjured either by cold or wet.”

Dorothy’s Flora for November

pansies Viola tricolor— On 7 November 1801, Dorothy says “The pansies are full of flowers.”

Michelmas daisy Aster amellus—On 7 November 1800, Dorothy reports that “The Michaelmas daisy droops.”

ash Fraxinus excelsior—On 7 November 1800, Dorothy observes that “The Ashes opposite are green, all but one but they have lost many of their leaves.”

ash Fraxinus excelsior—On 8 November 1802, Dorothy comments in the midst of their writing “that the day was so delightful that it made my very heart hunger to be out of doors, & see & feel the beauty of Autumn in freedom.” She sees “The trees on the opposite side of the lake are of a yellow brown, but there are one or two trees opposite our windows (an ash tree, for instance) quite green, as in spring.”

ash Fraxinus excelsior—The next day, 8 November 1800, says “a whirlwind came and tossed about the leaves & tore of all the still green leaves of the Ashes.”

oak Quercus robur— On 8 November 1800, Dorothy notices how wintry the country is looking. She says: “ The country very wintry—some oaks quite bare—others more sheltered with a few green leaves, others with brown leavers—but the whole face of the country in a winter covering.”

orchard Pyrus malus— On 12 November 1801, Dorothy notes “The Lake beautiful from the Orchard.” We know there were apple and pear trees in the orchard.

oak Quercus robur— Dorothy reports on 15 November 1800, as they are walking to Churnmilk Force: “—the oaks brown in general but one that might be almost called
green—”

ash Fraxinus excelsior—On 16 November 1800, Dorothy observes as she walks to the Cottage beyond Mr Gells: “One beautiful ash tree sheltered with yellow leaves—one low one quite green—some low ashes green—”

oak Quercus robur— A couple of days later, on 17 November 1800, Dorothy notes that "the coppices a beautiful brown the oaks having a very fine leafy shade.”

birch Betula pendula— While walking in Easedale on17 November 1801, Dorothy recalls: “We stood a long time to look at the corner Birch tree, the wind was among the light thin twigs & they yielded to it this way & that.”

orchard Pyrus malus— On 21 November 1801, while William and May walk to the Swan with Mr Simpson, Dorothy “went into the orchard while they were out.”

ash Fraxinus excelsior— On 22 November 1801, returning from the Blacksmith by Butterlip How, Dorothy notices how spacious and beautiful the vale looks. She makes an interesting comment on the appearance of an ash tree: “the Cottages beautiful & quiet, we passed one near which stood a cropped ash with upright forked Branches like the Devils horns frightening a guilty conscience. We were happy & chearful when we came home—we went early to bed.”

orchard Pyrus malus— The weather must have been getting cooler. Dorothy notes, on 23 November 1801, “May & I sate in our cloaks upon the Bench in the Orchard.”

birch Betula pendula— A week later, 24 November 1801, Dorothy notices the same tree. “It was very windy & we heard the wind everywhere about us as we went along the Lane but the walls sheltered us—John Greens house looked pretty under Silver How—as we were going along we were stopped at once, at the distance of perhaps 50 yards from our favorite birch tree it was yielding to the gusty wind with all its tender twigs, the sun shone upon it & it glanced in the wind like a flying sunshiny shower— it was a tree in stem & shape & branches but it was like a spirit of Water—the sun went it & it resumed its purplish appearance the twigs still yielding to the wind but not so visibly to us. The other Birch trees that were near it looked bright & cheerful—But it was a Creature by its own self among them.”

butter flower Ranunculus repens— On 24 November 1801, Dorothy remembers “We came home over the stepping stone the Lakes was foamy with white waves. I saw a solitary butter flower in the wood.” It’s difficult to know which flower Dorothy was referring to. I wonder if anyone could like a “solitary butter flower in the wood” this November in 2017.

catkins Corylus avellana—On 24 November 1801, Dorothy says: “Catkins are coming out.” Perhaps Dorothy is referring to Hazel catkins. It would be a little early for them. I wonder if anyone can find catkins in Grasmere at this time of year in 2017.

palm trees [Arecaceae]— On 24 November 1801, Dorothy notes ”palm trees budding.” I suspect palm trees are not native to Grasmere. However, there must have been some growing there in 1801. Are there palm trees in Grasmere in 2017? What do their buds look like?

alder Alnus glutinosa— On 24 November 1801, Dorothy mentions “the alder with its plumb coloured buds.”

mosses Phylum Bryophyta —On 26 November 1801, Dorothy says: “We walked into Easedale to collect mosses & cream.” There are a variety of mosses that Dorothy could have collected. What kinds of mosses can you find?

tree [?]—On 30 November 1801, Dorothy says: “They have cropped the tree which overshadowed the gate beside that cottage on the turning of the hill which used to make a frame for Loughrigg Tarn & Windermere.” Can anyone locate this view? What tree could you suggest that this might have been?

Here are the observations that Dorothy Wordsworth made in October in her Grasmere Journal between 1800 and 1802.

common ash Fraxinus excelsior—On 20 October 1800, Dorothy remembered that “When we came home the fire was out. We ate our supper in the dark & went to bed immediately. William was disturbed in the night by the rain coming into his room, for it was a very rainy night. The Ash leaves lay across the Road.”

common ash Fraxinus excelsior—The next morning, 21 October 1800, she noted that “The reflection of the ash scattered, & the tree stripped.”

common ash Fraxinus excelsior—On 24 October 1800 Dorothy observed that the wind storm had not been consistent in its treatment of the ash trees: “The ash in our garden green, one close to it bare the next nearly so..”

coppices Quercus robur —The coppices were not only oak, but whatever tree was growing in the woodlands. Coppicing is basically cutting trees down close to their bases, but leaving just enough to let them grow again, like pruning the roses, but on a bigger scale. During the nineteenth century the woodlands of the Lake District were extensively coppiced to supply wood for the production of bobbins for the textile industry and for making charcoal. On 28 October 1800 Dorothy notes that “The coppices now nearly of one brown.”

fern Botrychium lunaria—10 October 1800 “after I had finished baking I went out with Wm Mrs. Jameson & Miss Simpson toward Rydal—the fern among the rocks exquisitely beautiful —we turned home & walked to Mr. Gells.”

fir grove Pinus sylvestria—28 October 1800 “Not fine a rainy morning. The Hill tops covered with snow. Charles Lloyd came for his wife’s glass. I walked home with him past Rydal. When he came I met him a I was carrying some cold meat to Wm in the Fir-grove. I had before walked with him there for some time. It was a fine shelter from the wind.”

foxglove Digitalis purpurea—15 October 1800 “Wytheburn looked very wintry but yet there was a foxglove blossoming by the road-side.”

golden woods Fagus sylvatica—23 October 1802 “It is a breathless, grey day, that leaves the golden woods of autumn quiet in their own tranquillity, stately and beautiful in their decaying.” Although Dorothy doesn’t mention the kind of golden woods, perhaps she is referring to the beech trees that turn golden in the fall.

lychens Lecidea lapicida—It is impossible to know which lichens Dorothy collected. This is only a suggestions. On 2 October 1800, she said: “The Lychens are now coming out afresh, I carried home a collection in the afternoon.”

oak trees Quercus robur—20 October 1800 “after dinner we walked to Rydal crossed the stepping stones & while we were walking under the tall oak trees the Lloyds called out to us.”

oak trees Quercus robur—28 October 1800 “An oak tree in a sheltered place near John Fisher’s—not having lost any of its leaves was quite brown & dry.”

orange fern Pteridium aquilinum —11 October 1800 “The Colours of the mountains soft & rich, with orange ferns.”

plums Prunus domestica—22 October 1800 “In the evening Stoddard came in when we were at tea, & after tee Mr & Mrs Simpson with large potatoes & plumbs."

potatoes Solanum tuberosum—22 October 1800 “In the evening Stoddard came in when we were at tea, & after tee Mr & Mrs Simpson with large potatoes & plumbs."

sycamore tree Acer pseudoplatanus—9 October 1800 “After sitting some time we went homewards & were again caught by a shower & sheltered by the sycamores at the boat house—a very cold snowlike rain.”

sycamore tree Acer pseudoplatanus—12 October 1800 “The Sycamore crimson & crimson tufted—”

apples Pyrus malus—12 October 1800 “We pulled apples after dinner, a large basket full.”

Benson’s honeysuckles Lonicera xylosteum—Dorothy notes on 17 October 1800: “In my walk in the morning, I observed Benson's Honeysuckles in flower, & great beauty. It was a very fine mild evening."

birches Betula pendula—12 October 1800 “The birches generally still green, some near the water yellowish.”

oaks Quercus robur —12 October 1800 “We walked before tea by Bainriggs to observe the many coloured foliage the oaks dark green with yellow leaves—”

mountain ash Sorbus aucuparia—12 October 1800 “the mountain ash a deep orange—"

common ash Fraxinus excelsior—12 October 1800 “—the common ash Lemon colour but many ashes fresh in their summer green. Those that were discoloured chiefly near the water.”

I wonder if anyone has seen any of these flowers, shrubs, or trees that Dorothy saw in Grasmere this month. If you have, could you please post your observations on the inaturalist project Flora in Grasmere, so I can see what they look like. I’m stuck over here in Texas now with all the hurricanes and floods and such.

Dorothy make the following observations about flora in her journal in the months of September:

asters Aster tripolium— Dorothy makes these observation at Gallow Hill on 24 September 1802. They had arrived there on their return trip from France, and were awaiting the wedding of her brother William and May. Dorothy, Although not feeling well, having caught a cold on the trip from London, recounts meeting Mary and the family and getting dressed for tea. Her first observation is of the garden: “—the garden looked gay with asters & sweet peas—I looked at everything with tranquility & happiness but I was ill on Saturday & Sunday & continued to be poorly most of the time of our stay.”

brambles Rubus fruticosus— On 01 September 1800, Dorothy notes, “After dinner Coleridge discovered a rock seat in the orchard, cleared away the brambles.”

corn (most likely barley Hordeum brachyantherum or oats Avena sativa)—Dorothy notes on 04 September 1800: “we walked into the Black Quarter. The patches of corn very interesting.”

fern of the mountains Pteridium aquilinum—On 12 September 1800, walking in the Fir-grove and sitting in the orchard, Dorothy notices that “The Fern of the mountain now spreads yellow veins among the trees.”

fir-grove Pinus sylvestria—On 9 September 1800, Dorothy says that “John & I went to the B quarter, before supper went to seek a horse at Dawson—fir grove—After supper talked of Wms Poems.”

fir-grove Pinus sylvestria—The fir grove. later called “John’s Wood,” was one of the Wordsworths’ favorite places to walk. On 12 September 1800, Dorothy notes “Walked to the Fir-grove before dinner—”

pear tree Pyrus communis—Dorothy remembers on 14 September 1800 that she “read Boswell in the house in the morning & after dinner under the bright yellow leaves of the orchard—the pear trees a bright yellow.”

sweet peas Lathyrus odoratus—On 24 September 1802, returning from France and London, Dorothy notices “—the garden [at Gallow Hill] looked gay with asters & sweet peas—I looked at everything with tranquility & happiness”

apple tree Pyrus malus— Dorothy describes 14 September 1800 thus: “Made bread—a sore thumb from a cut—a lovely day—read Boswell in the house in the morning & after dinner under the bright yellow leaves of the orchard—the pear trees a bright yellow, the apple trees green still, a sweet lovely afternoon.”